Albert Barnes Commentary Ezekiel 11:16

"Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they are come." — Ezekiel 11:16 (ASV)

As a little sanctuary – Rather, I will be to them for a little while a sanctuary. The blessing was provisional; they were to look forward to a more complete blessing.

For a little while, they were to be satisfied with God’s special presence in a foreign land, but they were to look forward to a renewal of His presence in the restored temple of Jerusalem.

“Sanctuary” here means strictly the holy place, the tabernacle of the Most High. Yahweh Himself will be to the exiles in the place of the local sanctuary, in which the Jews of Jerusalem so much prided themselves (compare the marginal reference).

Here is the germ from which is developed Ezekiel 40–48, the picture of the kingdom of God in its new form.